His numbers may not jump out at you, but DeMario Douglas has been a bit of a bright spot over what has been a forgettable last couple of years in New England. Surrounded by a rebuilt Patriots' wide receiving core and a new coaching staff, the 2025 season could shape up to be a big year for the speedy slot receiver.
The presence of Stefon Diggs along the perimeter and rookies TreVeyon Henderson and Kyle Williams making plays down the field could open things up for Douglas inside. If the track record Josh McDaniels had in working with slot receivers Wes Welker and Julian Edelman is any indication, Douglas could be one of the league's surprises this season.
When ranking 50 under-the-radar players expected to shine this season, CBS Sports' Zachary Pereles named Douglas as one of the league's receivers whose numbers could go up. And if the Patriots are going to have a quality season, that needs to happen.
"The Patriots signed Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins this offseason, but it's Douglas -- a 2023 sixth-round selection -- who might be the key for New England. The undersized slot man posted six receptions for 92 yards and a touchdown in Drake Maye's first NFL start and averaged more than five catches and 50 yards in the six games he played at least two-thirds of New England's snaps. Josh McDaniels' offenses have long elevated slot receivers."
DeMario Douglas' numbers will indicate whether or not Patriots make playoffs
There's no question that Diggs was brought in to be New England's number one wide receiver and Hunter Henry is a valuable tight end, but Douglas is going to be a valuable part of the Patriots' offense. In Drake Maye's first start last season, Douglas had six catches for 92 yards and a touchdown, proving to be a trustworthy target.
That's something every quarterback needs, and Douglas needs to be that guy for Maye. His speed makes him a matchup nightmare inside, as few linebackers will be able to cover Douglas one-on-one.
Assuming Diggs is healthy and back to his old self, opposing defenses will likely be focusing their best defensive players on him in coverage, which will open space up for Douglas in the slot.
While it's ultimately on Maye to not force throws down the field if they're not there, Douglas has to be that safety valve that the likes of Welker, Edelman, and Troy Brown were to Tom Brady during the Patriots' heyday. Douglas isn't a big name - at least not yet - among wideouts across the NFL, but the impacts he has on the Patriots could determine whether or not they make a run for the playoffs this season.
Douglas doesn't need to have a 1,000-yard type season for New England to win 10 games and make the playoffs, but the combination of his reliability and McDaniels' ability to get the most out of slot receivers could ultimately turbocharge an offense that needs it.